Repair places are closed, will try a jump start a bit later when it's cooler outside, but thought I'd ask here...

2004 MC, CVT. Open the door, dome light is strong, turn the ignition one click, you get the dinging and dash lights, daytime running lights come on.

Turn to start it, you hear loud CLACK CLACK CLACK and the DRLs blink on and off with each CLACK. Release the key, OBL goes dark a bit and there's a whirring sound behind the speedo, temp gauge goes to 32F, then resets to 94F.

I'm suspecting just a plain dead battery, and I'm hoping to get a jumpstart, drive it around, and see if it starts tomorrow, and I'll probably look for a new battery.

But the CLACK CLACK CLACK is so loud and pronounced, it doesn't sound like the starter. Of course this is in a garage, so maybe I'm just used to hearing that outside.

UPDATE: It did take a start, and the loudness of the CLACK was because it was in the garage. It took a jump, it's out being driven around right now to try and recharge, think I'm gonna replace the battery anyway, I'm 80% sure it's the stock battery. That whirring sound was really odd too.

But -- now the CEL is on...so may need to take it in anyway to at least read the code.

-W-

 

Well, I see no one has replied to you yet. Your battery is dead. Not dead like they used to be, but dead as far as your starter is concerned. You can jump it from another car, but then go immediately to an auto parts store and get a new one. Although the OEM batteries are notoriously short-lived, I got 7 years and 80,000 miles from mine.

The whirring sound is the fuel pump.

Good luck.